The
first National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1) was an important
component of the project to strengthen the survey research capabilities
of the Population research Centres (PRCs) in India, launched by
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government
of India, New Delhi, in 1991. The MOHFW designated the International
Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the nodal
agency for providing co-ordination and technical guidance for
NFHS-1. The data collection for the NFHS-1 in each state was undertaken
by the field organizations, selected for this purpose, in collaboration
with the PRCs of the respective state. The East-West Center, Honolulu,
Hawaii, USA and Macro International, Calverton, Maryland, USA
provided technical assistance for all of the survey operations.
Funding for the NFHS-1 was provided by the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID), New Delhi. UNICEF and Plan
International provided the weighing scales for the survey.

Interviews were conducted with a nationally representative sample
of 88,562 households and 89,777 ever-married women in the age
group 13-49, from 24 states and the then National Capital Territory
of Delhi (which later attained statehood) using uniform questionnaire,
sample design and field procedures. The main objective of the
survey was to collect reliable and up-to-date information on fertility,
family planning, mortality, and maternal and child health. Data
collection was carried out in three phases from April 1992 to
September 1993. The NFHS-1 was a major landmark in the development
in the demographic database for India.

Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad
Centre for Development Research and Training, Madras
Centre for Management of Development Programmes, Hyderabad
Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development,
Chandigarh
Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur
MODE Research Private Limited, Calcutta
VIMARSH, The Consultancy Group, New Delhi